Diamond Naturals Premium Large Breed Formulas
Heres a power-packed meal to provide antioxidants, probiotics, essential vitamins, and added minerals. The superfoods in the meal promote a long and hearty life for your fluffball. Diamond Naturals formula is specifically for large breed puppies. They need more nourishment to sustain their bone development.
GSDs tend to suffer from elbow and hip dysplasia. So, it is imperative to fortify their immune systems as well as ossein buildout. That will make sure that your pooch does not suffer from joint pains in their adult life.
Furthermore, the antioxidants in the blend prevent cancer. The probiotics in the mix keep the gut flora flourishing, and the omega fatty-acids keep the skin, coat, and vision healthy.Diamond tops it all up with a great price tag to give you the ultimate value for your money.
Dr Garys Best Breed German Dog Diet
Rating:
German Dog Diet is one of 13 dry recipes covered in our review of the Dr. Garys Best Breed product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, oatmeal, brown rice, dried beet pulp, chicken fat
- Type: Grain-inclusive
- Profile: All life stages
- Best for:German shepherd puppy or adult
Dr. Garys Best Breed German Dog Diet derives most of its animal protein from chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 22% fat and 34% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.
We like the fact the formula also includes zinc proteinate and other chelated minerals which provides superior absorption and nutrition. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer reviewOur german shepherd has had a lot of itching problems since she was about 1 year old. We have tried different foods, supplements, sprays and shampoos. Nothing has seems to work as well as when we switched to this food. Scabs that were on her for months due to her itching them open all the time have finally healed over. She is still a little itchy, but significantly better than before. And she loves the food too! We used to leave her food bowl full all day because she would only pick throughout the day. With this food we are only doing 2-3 cups morning and night because she scarfs it all down in minutes! Glad we finally found something that she loves and works so well!
Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy Dry Dog Food
Royal Canin German Shepherd Junior
Royal Canin German Shepherd Junior is tailor made to suit the unique nutritional needs of your German Shepherd puppy.
This premium dry puppy food is formulated specifically to support the growth and development of German Shepherd puppies. Royal Canin German Shepherd Junior is rich in antioxidants and prebiotics to support your puppys natural immune defences, and is made from highly digestible ingredients to help prevent digestive problems, flatulence and bad stool odour. It has an exclusive kibble size, shape and texture made specifically to suit the German Shepherds jaw and also has an adapted calcium and phosphorus content to support optimal bone and joint development.
- Specifically formulated for German Shepherd puppies
- Contains antioxidants and prebiotics to support natural immune defenses
- Made from highly digestible ingredients to support healthy digestion
- Adapted calcium and phosphorus content to support bone and joint health
- Exclusive kibble, shape and size that is designed to suit German Shepherd puppies
- Suitable for German Shepherd puppies up to 15 months of age
- Lifestage:Puppy
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Special Dietary And Nutritional Concerns
Large and giant-breed dogs like the German Shepherd have a higher risk for developing musculoskeletal issues than smaller dogs. In many cases, the dogs that develop these problem in adulthood grew too quickly as puppies excessive growth can put a lot of stress on your puppys developing bones and joints. There are two things you can do to reduce your dogs risk for musculoskeletal problems. For one thing, you should feed your German Shepherd puppy a large-breed puppy formula until he reaches about 80% of his adult size then switch to a large-breed adult recipe. Large-breed formulas contain high levels of protein to support your dogs lean muscle mass but have moderate fat content to avoid overgrowth. You should also look for a recipe that is supplemented with glucosamine and chondroitin to provide extra bone and joint support for your dog.
Ingredients To Avoid Feeding German Shepherd
Chocolate
Keep chocolate bars and cocoa powder always out of your hounds reach. Weve studied that the toxic ingredient in chocolate is methylxanthines that could cause harm to your dog. At times if German Shepherds consume chocolate, it may lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or low blood pressure.
Grapes
Both types of grapes -fresh and dried ones are toxic to German Shepherds. Researchers have not yet concluded as to why so. But they have witnessed dogs having severe kidney failure symptoms, abdominal pain, and vomiting when consumed too many grapes.
Avocado
Avocado is not highly toxic for canines but is mildly harmful to German Shepherds bodies. Theres a toxic ingredient in avocado that is called persin, which increases the obesity of pets. The fat content can lead to pancreatitis that can malfunction the whelps pancreas and affect its digestive system.
Caffeine and alcohol
Caffeine or alcohol, also in small quantities, can harm your German Shepherd Dogs internal system. Consuming it may lead to dangerous complications in your dogs body such as increased hyper activeness and restlessness. Avoid foods such as raw yeast dough and baked goods with liquor.
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Purina Beyond Natural Grain Free Ground Wet Dog Food
Image courtesy Purina
Purina Beyond Natural Grain Free Ground Wet Dog Food is a delicious and nutritious wet dog food. It’s made with real meat, vegetables, and fruit.
This recipe is grain-free and free of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It’s also high in protein and low in carbohydrates.
Transition: How To Switch From Puppy To Adult Dog Food
Making the transition between puppy to adult food or from one brand to another is not as hard as you think. All you need to do is replace the original food with the new kibble gradually.
You can do this slowly or over the course of a month, depending on how much of the old kibble you still have.
The most common method is adding 20% of new dog food daily, so by the 5th day, your dog will have transitioned to the new food.
What I like to do is mix their new and old kibble together in a container and serve.
Adjust the radio until all the old dog food is used up, so when youre nearing the end of the bag, just throw a handful into the container!
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Consider Your Shepherds Nutritional Needs
Because these dogs are large and strongnearly 80% of a German Shepherds weight is comprised just of muscle and bonetheir primary nutritional need will be protein and fat. Your dogs specific needs may be different. If he needs to lose weight or put it on, he might need a dog food formulated to help dogs lose weight or put it on.
High-quality dog foods will be at least 18% protein and 5% fat. Puppy formulations will have a higher protein and fat content, but most dogs only need to be on puppy food until they are six months old.
German Shepherd Feeding Guide For Senior Dogs
Unfortunately, the lifespan of large breed canines, including German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Cane Corsos, isnt as long as the life expectancy of smaller breeds like Chihuahuas and Shih Tzus.
That is why GSDs might seem to enter their senior years earlier than expected, around the seventh year of life.
However, their age isnt the only sign of entering the senior phase of life.
Most German Shepherds go through certain changes in their bodies during this period which leaves a negative impact on their general well-being, as well as the health of their bones, joints, and muscles.
As I mentioned, GSDs are fiercely energetic, but as the years pass by, their activity levels might begin to drop. That is why senior GSDs need to have certain adjustments made to their menu.
Because of this, it is essential to pay attention to the indicators of aging in your pet if you want it to live a long and happy life.
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History Of The German Shepherd Dog
The German Shepherd was a breed of herding dog developed by German cavalry officer Captain Max von Stephanitz. By the late 1800s, local communities in Germany have been practicing selective breeding for many years to produce herding dogs that had the qualities that they need to carry out their jobs.
The job was to herd sheep and protect their flock from predators. However, there were no breed standards, and the dogs traits differed depending on which community they were from.
Captain von Stephanitz aimed not just to standardize herding dogs, but to also create one breed that has all the qualities that he believes would make it the perfect working dog. In 1899, he finally met his perfect working dog.
A dog named Hektor Linksrhein was at a dog show when he was shown to von Stephanitz. The former cavalry officer admired not just Hektors strength, intelligence, and loyalty, but also his beauty. He immediately purchased the dog and renamed him Horand von Grafrath.
Von Stephanitz soon founded the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde . And who else but Horand was its first registered German Shepherd.
Horand was bred with several dogs owned by the societys members. His son Hektor von Schwaben fathered Beowulf. It is said that all modern-day GSDs can draw a genetic link to Beowulfs progeny.
How Much Food To Feed A 17
You should feed your 17-week-old German Shepherd Dog puppy 2.9 cups of dry dog food every day.
You may divide this food into two or three separate meals and give it to your German Shepherd Dog puppy over the day.
Our recommendation on how much food should feed your 17-week-old German Shepherd Dog puppy assumes that the weight of your German Shepherd Dog is typical for its age.
The typical weight for a 17-week-old German Shepherd Dog puppy is 35.7 lbs .
Our recommendation on how much food you should feed your German Shepherd Dog also assumes that you feed your German Shepherd Dog a dog food with a calorie content of 389 kcal per cup.
If you want a more accurate estimation of how much food to feed your German Shepherd Dog puppy based on its exact weight, the exact type of dog food that you feed your German Shepherd Dog, and other factors, use our German Shepherd Dog food calculator.
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Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken And Rice
Rating:
Large Breed Chicken and Rice is one of 13 dry recipes analyzed in our review of the Diamond Naturals product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, ground white rice
- Type: Grain-inclusive
- Profile: Maintenance
- Best for:Adult shepherds only
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken and Rice derives most of its animal protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 26% protein, 14% fat and 52% estimated carbs which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.
The recipe contains multiple probiotics for better digestion and chelated minerals for improved absorption and healthy nutrition. Affordably priced and easy to recommend.
Sample buyer reviewWe have had our dogs on this food for some time and the vet is constantly saying how healthy they are . We searched for some time to find a quality food at an affordable price as we have 4 dogs . Have never had any issues with them or their digestive systems while on Diamond!
Feeding A German Shepherd Puppy The Right Way
June 6, 2019 By Emily Patterson-Kane
The German Shepherd puppy is a popular addition to many households. Sometimes called the Alsatian puppy, the German Shepherd was initially developed for herding and now commonly used as a working dog or pet. This is your guide to providing all the nutrients your new puppy needs.
Many types of food can be provided. However puppy foods designed for large breed dogs are essential for puppies. This will help to avoid health problems caused by overly-rapid bone growth.
Read on to find out the ins and out of whats best for your German Shepherd puppy!
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How Much Should I Feed My German Shepherd Puppy
To begin with follow the guidelines provided by the feeder, the feed manufacturer, or by your veterinarian.
For example, you could expect to start feeding your puppy a total of around 3 cups a day of a high-quality kibble.
However this will vary depending on how calorie dense the food is and how it is formulated.
Puppies will quickly develop individual needs for food types and amounts based on their size, activity level, and other factors.
Feeding Guidelines By Weight
German shepherds can be of different weight ranges. Thats why the feeding plan for your dog can be complicated. Fortunately, theres a calculation for the feeding amount of German shepherds according to weight.
- Inactive German Shepherds: For every 1 kilogram your dog weighs, theyll need 40 calories a day.An average weighted German shepherd will then need 1400 calories per day. This only applies to German shepherds that do not exercise or are inactive.
- Active German Shepherds: In the case of active German shepherds that exercise regularly, every 1 kilogram equals 55 calories per day.So an average weighted German shepherd will require 1925 calories per day to be able to function properly.
Take note, however, that this calculation may be affected if the German shepherd has a health disorder concerned with metabolism or digestion.
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Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe
Rating:
Wilderness Salmon is one of 18 dry recipes analyzed in our review of the Blue Buffalo Wilderness product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned salmon, chicken meal, peas, pea protein, menhaden fish meal
- Type: Grain-free
- Profile: Maintenance
- Best for:Adult shepherds only
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh salmon and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 17% fat and 38% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%.
A grain-free, protein-rich formula available in over a dozen flavors and recipes which makes Wilderness ideal for those who appreciate the benefits of diet rotation. Fairly priced and highly recommended.
Sample buyer reviewI have a 3 year old husky and ever since she was a puppy i had her on blue wilderness. Ive got her every flavor if not almost every flavor, and this salmon one is the one she has loved the most! Ieave her food bowl full at all times she so can eat whenever she wants. And she eats this salmon one more than every other flavor. Now i know salmon is her favorite protein (:
German Shepherd Diet Chart
Feeding a German Shepherd the right diet will bring out their inner Olympian and give you longer and healthier years with your favorite companion.
When choosing the best food to feed a German Shepherd, look for the following ingredients in your selection. These items listed are all good foods for a German Shepherds diet when mixed in the appropriate amounts in a premium dry kibble.
| Proteins |
|---|
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German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Chart By Age
As a general guideline, heres how much you should feed your German Shepherd puppy daily by their age and cups of food:
- 8 weeks old: 1 to 1 ½ cups of food spread over 4 meals daily
- 12 weeks old: 1 ½ to 2 cups of food spread over 4 meals daily
- 6 months to 9 months old: 2 cups to 3 cup of food spread over 3 meals daily
- 9 months to 12 months old: 3 cups to 3 ½ cups of food spread over 3 meals daily
- 12 months old and above: 3 ½ to 4 cups of food spread over 2 meals daily
Adjust the amounts based on your dogs lifestyle. A more active puppy might need extra calories, while a lower energy puppy doesnt need as much food per day. These are guidelines only.
So, feel free to adjust the amounts based on your German Shepherds energy needs.
| Puppy Age | Total Cups of Dry Kibble | Number of Meals Per Day |
|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks old | ||
| 6 months to 9 months old | 2 3 cups | |
| 9 months to 12 months old | 3 3 ½ cups | |
| 12 months old and above | 3 ½ 4 cups | 2 |
Offer your dog their food around the same time each day. If they dont eat their meal in 10 to 15 minutes remove their dish. Wait an hour and offer them the same meal to see if theyve changed their mind about eating.
Instinct Original Recipe With Real Chicken
Top 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat, Tapioca
Caloric Content: 4,406 kcal/kg
Finally, the Instinct by Nature Variety Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken Dry Dog Food is a great choice for your German Shepherd in all life stages.
From its raw nutrition base to its balanced approach to a high protein food, this dry food is a positive addition to your dogs diet. Full of real chicken, vegetables, antioxidants, natural omegas and probiotics and without any grains, corn, potato, soy or wheat, there is great digestive support, as well as a healthy coast, skin and immune health.
The bag can be a little tricky to open though, so it can take a little getting used to, and some dogs may find they get gas after eating. Overall however, this food is a positive choice for German Shepherds.
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